Letter: No shame

From Mr Julian Meldrum

Sir: In your survey of public figures' private morality ("Secret lives of the new moralisers", 1 September; Letters, 4 September) none gave as a reason not to donate blood that they may have been at risk of infection with HIV. Yet, even with universal antibody testing, it remains important that anyone at increased risk of infection should refrain from donating.

In view of the reluctance of public figures to disclose their homosexuality or bisexuality, let alone illicit drug use or other risk-taking, it is against the interests of public health to make it a matter of "shame" that anyone decides not to give blood.

Yours faithfully,

Julian Meldrum

Liaison and Information Officer

National Aids Trust

London, SE1

5 September